About the Coach
Movement, strength, and outdoor activity have been a consistent part of my life from an early age. I grew up playing soccer from the age of seven through the early years of college, while also participating in basketball and lacrosse during high school. It was through lacrosse that I first recognized the importance of strength training after realizing how much a lack of upper-body strength affected my physical resilience and confidence on the field.
Over time, I also witnessed many teammates struggle with injuries, which sparked a deep curiosity about injury prevention, movement, and recovery. I became increasingly interested in how strength training could improve not only athletic performance, but long-term health and durability.
After several years of coaching youth athletes, that curiosity evolved into a deeper commitment to the field of physical health and human movement.
Originally from Portland, I began my professional path in fitness through the National Personal Training Institute, where I gained hands-on coaching experience and developed a strong foundation in movement and strength training. In 2018, I moved to Bend to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Oregon State University-Cascades. During that time, I continued coaching in local gyms while furthering my education through StrongFirst certifications with a particular focus on kettlebell training.
Over the past several years, my coaching philosophy has evolved toward helping individuals build practical strength that directly improves quality of life. My focus is on helping people move well, reduce pain, build resilience, and stay active in the activities they enjoy for as long as possible. Training with longevity in mind means developing strength that supports both present performance and future well-being.
Kettlebell, barbell, bodyweight, and barefoot training have become central to my approach because of their ability to build functional, adaptable strength that integrates naturally into daily life. Nearly a decade into this field, I continue to view myself as a student—constantly learning, refining, and growing both personally and professionally.
Having lived in Bend for over 8 years, I deeply value the connection between movement, health, and the outdoors. I spend much of my time hiking, trail running, biking, paddleboarding, backpacking, golfing, and playing soccer. Outside of physical activity, I enjoy cooking, reading, gardening, playing guitar, and spending time in nature. Whether on a trail, in the mountains, in a field, or near the water, I value opportunities to stay active, remain connected to the natural world, and continue learning through movement and experience.
Philosophy and Approach
Many individuals understand the importance of exercise and physical activity for overall health, but there is often a misunderstanding of what it truly means to be strong and the vital role strength training plays in everyday life.
Strength training is not only essential for preventing injuries, disease, and physical decline, but also for supporting optimal physical and physiological function. As individuals become stronger and more capable in their movement, they often experience greater confidence, comfort, and trust in their bodies—an important psychological benefit that is frequently overlooked.
While practices such as cardio and yoga provide valuable benefits, strength training offers a unique foundation for long-term health, resilience, and functionality. By prioritizing quality movement, intentionality, and practical strength, individuals can improve both daily performance and recreational ability for years to come.
A strength-focused lifestyle supports a longer, healthier, and more active life outside of the gym. It promotes graceful aging, greater independence, and the ability to continue doing the activities that bring meaning, enjoyment, and connection throughout life.
At Rooted Strength, the mission is to help individuals develop practical, mindful, and functional strength that extends far beyond workouts. Through a holistic approach to movement and training, programs are designed to improve movement quality, build resilience, and deepen awareness of the body and mind.
Education, quality movement, and intentionality come first, followed by challenge. The process encourages individuals to not only understand strength training intellectually, but to truly experience and apply its benefits in their daily lives and recreational pursuits.
At its core, the Rooted Strength Method embraces the idea that everyone is a student of strength—continually learning, adapting, and evolving as their bodies and lives change over time.
Education and Certifications
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology - Oregon State University - Cascades
NASM CPT
StrongFirst Girya (Kettlebell) Level 2 Certification
StrongFirst Lifter Certification
Original Strength Press RESET Certification
NPTI Diploma
First Aid, CPR, AED
Coaching strength since 2015